Albert to ride nationals as elite

Niels Albert has decided to race the Belgian national championships in Hofstade as an elite rather than under 23, according to Sport.be.

On January 6, the Palmans-Cras 'crosser will take on the rest of Belgium's elite riders, in an attempt to take the professional title. Good news for those in the under 23 category as it will increase their chances of taking the title.

In the elite category, Albert will become a marked man for riders the caliber of Sven Nys (Rabobank), Erwin Vervecken (Fidea), and Bart Wellens (Fidea). He already showed that he is more than ready for the challenge by ending Nys domination of the super prestige series in Gieten.

Nine days before the championships, Albert will line up in the under 23 category for the world cup in Hofstade. Albert also intents to ride the world championships as an under 23, he plans on winning the title before making the jump to the elite category for good.